1) Lack of Teamwork and Consistency Plagued the team
Manchester United is not playing like a cohesive team. The players’ performances are inconsistent, with stars like Marcus Rashford, Antony, Casemiro, and Scott McTominay were shining in a couple of games only to falter in the next five. The team has also lacked a stable defense, with the defensive lineup changing almost every match.
The situation was further exacerbated by injuries. Tyrell Malacia was out for the entire season with no clear timeline for his return. Other key players such as Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all faced injuries throughout the season. This had left the team without a consistent roster. Only Bruno Fernandes was consistently available. Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a rare positive from last season. While Rasmus Højlund has shown promise, he lacks support from the wingers, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho often playing selfishly. Notably, Rashford was seen attending party at a club despite United’s loss to their city rivals, raising questions about his commitment to the team.
Manchester United needs to make tough decisions regarding players who are inconsistent and frequently unavailable. Those who lack seriousness about the club’s success should be shown the door.
2) Managerial Authority Undermined by player Dominance at United
The dynamics within Manchester United’s dressing room reveal significant issues with managerial authority and player conduct. Conflicts, such as those involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho with the manager, have spilled into the public eye, indicating deeper unrest. Additionally, there were allegations of Marcus Rashford faking an injury, further highlighting the problematic atmosphere.
The players’ behavior has been characterized by overpayment, overrated performances, laziness, and arrogance. This lack of professionalism cannot be solely attributed to Manager Erik Ten Hag. Even club legend Wayne Rooney had suggested that some United players might be faking injuries, pointing to a severe professionalism deficit.
In summary, Manchester United’s struggles stem from an imbalance of power within the team, with players undermining managerial authority and exhibiting a lack of commitment and discipline. This situation requires urgent addressing to restore harmony and professionalism within the club.
3) Post-Ferguson Era: United’s Struggle with Player Performance
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, no single player at Manchester United has consistently impressed. Despite signing high-profile players, they have failed to meet expectations.
Playing for the Manchester United badge comes with immense responsibility, and many players have struggled to handle the pressure, resulting in underperformance and lackluster displays. The weight of representing such a big club seems too great for many, leading to a series of disappointing seasons. This reflects not just on the players but also on the club’s scouting and management strategies, indicating deeper issues that need to be addressed.